Martin Shaw is glad that Inspector George Gently - currently being filmed in the North East for the last time - is being given a proper send-off.

The actor, who stars as the gruff but honourable detective in the BBC1 drama, says the planned double feature-length ending is a fitting way to round off the long-running series.

Cast and crew are busy shooting the final two episodes of its eighth, and last, series which is bowing out - in style - after 10 years.

Over that time it has proved a ratings winner for the BBC but its makers now feel that the crime drama, and its lead character, have reached a “natural end”.

The news will sadden fans of the series which was created by Gateshead-born writer Peter Flannery.

John Bacchus (Lee Ingleby), George Gently (Martin Shaw) (Image: BBC)

Based loosely, in its initial stages, on the George Gently novels of Alan Hunter, it has seen the eponymous hero advance in his crime-cracking career to become a Detective Chief Inspector while his right-hand man John Bacchus, played by Lee Ingleby, has similarly risen in rank and is now a Detective Inspector.

The series itself has advanced from 1964 to a new setting of 1970 for the two final episodes, both feature-length, which will bring the whole story to a close.

Star Shaw said of his final outing as Gently: “I’m excited at being able to bring the series to a proper finale, a farewell that befits such a popular series.”

He said it was “wonderful” to return to the role and the team behind the series.

“We’re a very happy and close company, and working with such friends is a joy,” he said.

Filming on the last storylines has begun in Durham, including scenes shot at County Hall, and is also taking place in Newcastle.

George Gently (Martin Shaw) (Image: BBC)

Its completion day will no doubt prove an emotional moment for all the cast and crew.

Writer Flannery, who is also executive producer on the series, is certainly sorry to see it go after 23 episodes.

He said: “I’m sad to finally part with George Gently - the series and the character.

“The world of the stories became my own creation which audiences have enjoyed for nearly 10 years.

“It’s been a privilege along the way to work with talented and committed teams and I hope that many of them will look back on George Gently - as I will - with pride and pleasure.”

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The first of the double send-off episodes is called Gently Liberated and will see Gently, Bacchus and another detective regular, Rachel Coles (Lisa McGrillis), investigate a potential miscarriage of justice.

Then the finale, Gently and the New Age, will begin with Shaw’s character giving evidence at The Old Bailey against old enemies: corrupt police officers in the London Met.

While that should mark one of the final responsibilities of his career, Gently is then asked to take on one last job.

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There will be a number of guest stars in the last episodes, and viewers will no doubt recognise the likes of Victoria Bewick from Call the Midwife and The Iron Lady.

Michele Buck, chief executive officer of series’ makers Company Pictures, said of the decision to end it: “We felt the character was coming to natural end, and wanted to bring the audience an ambitious and exciting conclusion to such a well-loved show.”

BBC executive producer Christopher Aird added: “The writers and creative team at Company Pictures have produced two wonderful scripts of character and depth that provide a suitable crescendo for this well-loved BBC1 series.”